Garlic Butter Focaccia

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Golden and crisp on the outside with a soft, pillowy interior, Garlic Butter Focaccia is the ultimate savory bread for any occasion. It fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of roasted garlic and melted butter, and the flavor pays off every bit of that tantalizing scent. Whether you’re pairing it with soup, salad, or simply enjoying it as a snack, this bread is hard to resist.

What makes this focaccia stand out is its simplicity. With pantry staples and a bit of patience, you can create a bakery-worthy loaf right at home. The garlic butter soaks into the dimples of the dough, creating flavorful pockets that burst with every bite. It’s rich, herby, and perfect for mopping up your favorite sauces.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Focaccia

This recipe is a celebration of flavor and texture. The contrast between the crispy edges and fluffy center is satisfying in every slice. It’s also highly adaptable—you can add herbs, cheese, or even caramelized onions for extra flair. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and requires no complicated equipment.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use?

Bread flour works best for a chewier, more structured crumb, but all-purpose flour will still give you delicious results with a slightly softer bite. The key is allowing the dough time to rise and develop flavor. You can even refrigerate it overnight for deeper complexity.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Focaccia

Making great focaccia starts with a few humble ingredients that work magic together.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the dough its base and structure.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates those lovely air pockets.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that signature crispy crust.
• Unsalted butter: Mixed with garlic to infuse deep flavor throughout.
• Garlic cloves: Minced or grated for maximum aroma and taste.
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds a bright herby finish.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Focaccia

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a dough hook.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to a greased baking pan and press it out gently. Cover again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Garlic Butter

Melt butter in a pan, then add minced garlic. Cook on low heat until fragrant but not browned. Stir in chopped parsley if using.

Step 6: Dimple and Dress

Preheat oven to 425°F. Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the dough. Pour the warm garlic butter evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the edges are crisp. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Focaccia

This recipe yields about 8 generous slices, perfect for sharing with friends or serving at a family meal. Serve it warm from the oven for peak flavor, or reheat leftovers in a toaster oven for that just-baked taste.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in foil and reheat when needed.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Focaccia?

Tomato Basil Soup

The buttery bread soaks up this classic soup perfectly.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Pair it with this pasta for a truly satisfying meal.

Mediterranean White Beans and Greens

It balances the hearty, earthy flavors of this dish.

Charcuterie Board

Slice it into strips and serve alongside meats, cheeses, and olives.

Baked Ziti

Use it to scoop up every bit of saucy pasta.

Caesar Salad

The garlicky flavor complements the crisp, tangy salad.

Shakshuka

Dip it right into the tomatoey poached egg dish.

Grilled Vegetables

Add it to a summer veggie platter for a complete meal.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Focaccia, check out some of our other homemade favorites:

• Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread for a festive touch.
• Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling for cozy fall flavors.
• Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Bread if you’re feeling indulgent.
• Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet twist on breakfast bread.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream for dessert right after!

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread board so you can always come back to it.

And if you give it a try, let me know how it turns out! Did you add cheese or herbs? Any fun toppings? I’d love to hear your twist on this classic.

Explore more beautifully curated savory breads and comfort food on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next baking inspiration.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Focaccia is more than just bread—it’s a warm, welcoming bite of comfort. It turns simple ingredients into something remarkable with its fluffy texture and rich garlicky crust. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, it brings something special to the table every time.

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